Joachim Koch, PhD

https://www.orikine.bio/

https://encelta.com/ Encelta is a seed stage spin-off from ETH Zürich with a novel, universal, off-the-shelf T cell product designed to power T cell engager (TCE) therapies. Encelta has developed TPRO cells, as a first-in-class T cell product compatible with TCEs. TPRO cells can be combined with all TCEs approved on the market and 100+ molecules in clinical development. The key advantage of TPRO cells is the unique genetic engineering strategy preventing graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).

As an independent biotech consultant, I partner with emerging and established life science companies to shape and accelerate their scientific and corporate strategies. My work spans the full spectrum of preclinical and translational development, from scientific and preclinical strategy, in vivo pharmacology, and indication selection to IND-enabling studies, early clinical development, and biomarker strategy. I support clients in developing robust translational science frameworks that bridge discovery and clinical relevance, ensuring data-driven decision-making and strategic alignment. In addition to R&D strategy, I provide due diligence support for investors and business development teams, helping to assess scientific merit, differentiation, and risk. I also collaborate on corporate narratives, value propositions, and intellectual property positioning to strengthen fundraising and partnering efforts. With deep expertise in biologics and cellular therapies, I bring an integrated scientific and strategic perspective to help clients advance innovation and create lasting value.

👉 Cross-functional senior leader and department head (> 40 FTE) 👉 Drove Affimed’s transformation into a productive clinical stage company (from 30 to 260 FTE) 👉 Co-developed a scalable matrix structure for cross-functional development and portfolio maturation 👉 Co-architect and representative of Affimed’s (scientific) value story 👉 Initiated 5 novel development programs 👉 Strategy lead of 5 INDs (biologics and cellular therapies) 👉 Scientific lead of development and biomarker strategy 👉 Scientific lead of several due diligences/BD deals 👉 Drove strategic decisions as part of leadership team 👉 Accountability for project/program budget

2010-2015 Steering Committee member and faculty member of the LOEWE center Cell and Gene Therapy (excellence initiative of Hesse)

Human recombinant antibodies to hantaviruses (Research Fellow of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences) highest grade, with distinction (summa cum laude)

highest grade, with distinction

Modulation of the macromolecular peptide-loading complex by varicelloviruses.

On the 'cross talk' between SH2-domain-containing proteins and the soluble insulin receptor kinase (LIRK)

Lymphocryptoviruses related to Epstein-Barr virus